“If you were at work and you were vomiting you would go home, it’s an absolute no-brainer. If you’re at work and your anxiety is severe to the point that you’re not able to function in your workday, same thing.”
Romy Lee. Photo / Supplied
Clinical psychologist Dr Eve Hermansson-Webb says some workplaces may contribute to anxiety.
“We spend so many hours at work, it should ideally be a place where we feel safe, accepted and comfortable,” she says.
“If a person notices that other people around them are also anxious and stressed a lot of the time, maybe that’s actually a signal to look at the workplace and whether it’s a supportive environment.”
MP Matt Doocey, National Party spokesperson for mental health, says employers have a responsibility to foster the positive mental wellbeing of their staff.
“It’s great to see the proliferation of EAP services – Employee Assistance Programmes – and often ... you can access timely mental health support through your workplace.”
Counsellor Shirleen Prasad advocates being upfront and open with your employer about your mental health.
Shirleen Prasad. Photo / Supplied
“Change happens, life is not constant, and sometimes we’re going through challenging times and we might need some extra support,” she says.
“Talk to your employer about it. Workplaces should have processes and protocols in place to help make a plan for how to best support you.”
Asian Family Services deputy director Ivan Yeo was upfront about his mental health with his employer from the start, letting his chief executive know about his depression and anxiety so he could access support.
But Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga, Pasifika GP Network chair, says there’s one thing even more important than being honest with your employer: “I think you have to be upfront with yourself when you’re applying for a job. Is this something that’s going to bring on the uncertainty that will set off the triggers that bring on that anxiety? Because you want to be safe.”
Tips for managing anxiety at work include planning ahead, letting your manager know if you’re overloaded, celebrating successes, taking breaks such as going for a walk around the block, setting boundaries such as not checking your work email from home, and taking advantage of workplace wellbeing schemes.
More people are being open about their mental health challenges in the workplace, and it’s becoming increasingly common for workplaces to offer benefits such as wellbeing or “duvet days” off work.
With around one in four New Zealanders experiencing anxiety disorders at some point in their lifetimes, many colleagues and managers will have first-hand experience themselves.
Misconceptions: Unravelling Anxiety was made with the support of NZ On Air.
Misconceptions: Unravelling Anxiety follows the first Misconceptions series by Digital Alchemist, The Truth About Miscarriage.
Where to get help
If you think you may be experiencing anxiety, you can ask your GP or a counsellor for advice. You can also reach out to the following organisations:
